We report spin-induced polarization oscillations in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers above threshold and at room temperature. The oscillation frequency is 11.6 GHz, which is significantly higher than the modulation bandwidth of less than 4 GHz in the device. The oscillation frequency is determined by an additional resonance frequency in birefringence containing microcavities, which is potentially much higher than the conventional relaxation oscillation frequency. The damping of the oscillations can be controlled by the current, allowing for oscillation lifetimes much longer than the spin lifetime in the device as well as for short bursts potentially interesting for information transmission

Optical data transmission: the basis of our information society

Optical data transmission by semiconductor lasers is a basic prerequisite for the globally networked world and today’s information society. The ever increasing degree of networking and the desire to exchange larger amounts of data are the driving force behind the development of ever faster optical data transmission systems. The maximum speed of conventional semiconductor lasers has long been a limiting factor - typical modulation frequencies are currently at levels well below 50 GHz.

Over 100 GHz possible: a barrier collapses

By using spin lasers, Bochum’s researchers were able to overcome the previous limits for the modulation speed. Whereas in conventional lasers, the spin of the electrons injected is entirely arbitrary, in spin lasers, only electrons with a previously determined spin state are used. By injecting these spin-polarised electrons, the laser is forced to work simultaneously on two laser modes with different frequencies. “This frequency difference can easily be tuned using the so-called birefringence in the resonator, for example by simply bending the microlaser” said Dr. Nils Gerhardt. By coupling the two laser modes in the microresonator, oscillation with a new frequency occurs, which can theoretically reach well over 100 GHz.